Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Bird's nest fern · Asplenium nidus

Why is my bird's nest fern drooping?

It is less common for this plant to droop, but it usually happens when the fern is thirsty or dealing with temperature stress. Check the soil moisture first to see if the plant is simply dehydrated.

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is bone dry.
  2. Look for cold air vents near the plant.
  3. Feel the fronds to see if they are limp or firm.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The fronds look limp and the soil feels very dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

  2. Cold Drafts

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant droops suddenly after being placed near an air conditioner or a drafty window.

    What to do: Move the fern to a warmer spot away from vents or doors. Keep it in a room where temperatures stay between 65 and 80 degrees.

Find out what's wrong with your bird's nest fern

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Drooping is usually a quick fix with water. If the plant stays limp after watering, check the roots for damage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a stable environment away from drafts and maintain regular watering.

Keep your bird's nest fern healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does this plant flower?
Bird's nest ferns do not produce flowers. They grow by producing spores on the undersides of their fronds.
Will misting help a drooping fern?
Misting provides temporary humidity but does not fix the underlying issue of thirst. Focus on watering the soil thoroughly.

More problems with Bird's nest fern

Back to the Bird's nest fern guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.